STAGES • GANTRIES • HEXAPOD PLATFORMS
The new DXOMARK Analyzer is a measurement system for quantifying the still and video image quality output by devices under testing.
The H-840 hexapod is designed for testing image stabilization systems and is certified to CIPA Standard DC-011-2015. | courtesy of DXOMARK
Hexapods precisely jostle cameras during image-stabilization testing The six-axis parallel-kinematics systems known as hexapods excel in motion simulation and testing of mechanical and drive systems, multidimensional position sensors, and (the focus of this article) imagestabilization designs for cameras and video equipment. By Doris Knauer • Project Manager Industrial Automation | Physik Instrumente (PI)
motioncontroltips.com | designworldonline.com
MODERN
camera systems are capable of astounding feats, including:
• Capturing sharp pictures in fast-changing ambient conditions • Taking snapshots of moving scenes sans blurring • In surveillance systems, identifying dangerous situations • In automotive driver-assist systems, recognizing traffic signs and road marks To help quantify the quality of still and video images and fairly compare competitive imaging devices from different suppliers, some testing equipment uses hexapods to simulate the movements to which cameras are subject during operation. That’s of keen interest to end users such as smartphone and camera manufacturers and those in the automobile and aerospace industries (as well as the security and automation technology sectors) wanting to maximize the quality of the stills and video images their products generate. Of top interest are comprehensive tests that measure devices’ outputimage resolution, contrast, color, texture, zoom, and exposure — as well as their autofocus and image-stabilization capabilities. A typical test collects and analyzes thousands of images for statistically significant results of all attributes.
11 • 2020
DESIGN WORLD — MOTION
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